The Students’ Union of NERIST (SUN) has urged the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) to counsel the All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) and other external student bodies to withdraw the seven-day ultimatum issued to the union minister of education, demanding the removal of Prof Narendranath S as the director of the NERIST.
A delegation of the SUN, led by its president Tadar Demo and general secretary Toku Lapang, along with executive members, held separate meetings with NES president Prof Tana Showren and NES general secretary Nabam Takar at their residences on Saturday. The meetings focused on the ultimatum dated 11.07.2026 issued by the ANSU, which was set to expire on Saturday.
The SUN highlighted that, as the apex body of the Nyishi community and guardian of Nyishi-based organisations, the NES has a pivotal role in guiding and counselling the ANSU and the ANYA in the larger interest of the NERIST and its stakeholders. The SUN acknowledged the NES’ proactive steps, including the constitution of a committee to assess the situation and a delegation’s visit to the NERIST on 04.06.2026 for discussions with the administration.
The SUN delegation emphasised that continued interference by external student organisations risks disrupting peace and harmony within the institute. They urged such bodies to refrain from interfering in the NERIST’s internal affairs and allow the institute to function smoothly in accordance with its memorandum of association, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, and directives of the Ministry of Education.
The union reiterated its strong support for Prof Narendranath, stating that he has been diligently working to strengthen governance, promote transparency and accountability, and drive the overall development of the NERIST. The union claimed that Prof Narendranath’s leadership has fostered academic excellence, administrative discipline, and an environment conducive to students, research scholars, faculty members, and staff.
In a related development, the All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organisation (AAPYO) has opposed the demand for the removal of NERIST Director Prof Narendranath S, urging the governor and the Union Ministry of Education to immediately intervene in the ongoing administrative issues at the premier institute. The organisation said that the director had merely implemented the recommendations of a ministry-appointed inquiry committee, and warned that his removal could adversely affect the institute and the academic future of nearly 3,000 students.
AAPYO president Kipa Kanam said the NERIST is not merely an institute of Arunachal Pradesh but a premier institute serving all eight Northeastern states. He said the issues confronting the institute are of regional importance and should therefore be resolved strictly in accordance with the rules and decisions of the Union Ministry of Education.
Kanam informed that the AAPYO has submitted a three-point representation to the governor of Arunachal, seeking immediate intervention. He said similar representations have also been submitted to the chief minister, the union education minister, the union minister of ports, shipping and waterways, the union minister of parliamentary affairs, the MPs from Arunachal, as well as MPs from other Northeastern states, requesting them to safeguard the future of the NERIST.
Kanam alleged that supporting officials accused of manipulating recruitment rules would only encourage similar practices in public institutions. He claimed that the recognised student organisations within the NERIST, representing all eight Northeastern states, are satisfied with the functioning of the present director, and questioned why outside organisations are demanding the director’s removal.
Highlighting the director’s achievements, Kanam said that Prof Narendranath successfully implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the NERIST, established the department of food engineering and technology, introduced BSc programmes in physics, chemistry and mathematics, and facilitated monthly fellowships of Rs 8,000 for BSc and NEP PhD scholars.
The SUN submitted a formal letter, requesting the NES to advise the ANSU and other external organisations to reconsider and immediately withdraw the ultimatum dated 11.07.2026.
